Confessions of a "Multitasker"

Revelations on Multitasking

As I compose this post, I am watching television, reflecting on my day, thinking about what I will get done tomorrow and thinking about a host of other things. While browsing one of my new favorite personal organization sites just this evening, LifeOrganizers.com, I stumbled across some advice on multitasking. What an epiphany? As much as I've talked on this blog about not taking on too much, and learning how to say no, I didn't realize that even if I have a balanced load, by trying to get too much done at the same time I am slowing down my productivity.

While I am at the office on some of my busiest days, I find myself reading e-mail, answering phone calls and paying attention to what's going on in the office, while thinking about what I'm about to do next. I pride myself on my ability to manage multiple projects at the same time; now some of the missed opportunities, spelling errors and typos on business correspondence and data entry mistakes may all be attributed to doing too much at one time. Sometimes, I work through lunch, focusing on getting my to do list items done more than stopping for some body fuel. My work environment calls for me to work on multiple projects on deadline (some projects develop at the last minute), while trying to manage my day-to-day tasks.

So, I am resolved to making a serious effort to work on one thing at one time so that I can do everything in excellence. It will be a challenge, but I will try to get it done. Guess I'll have to post my progress!